DMV, Baseball Communities React to Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman Retiring

DMV, baseball communities react to Ryan Zimmerman retiring originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

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Ryan Zimmerman announced his retirement from MLB on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the Nationals that spanned over a decade and a half.

From being the Nationals’ inaugural draft pick, to carrying them through a long stretch of disappointing seasons, to helping them to their first World Series title in 2011, “Mr. National” grew up with a fanbase that had been without a local baseball team for 30 more than years prior to his arrival.

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Zimmerman’s retirement brought up plenty of old memories for fans, former teammates (and opponents) as well as local influential figures, prompting many to speak out on social media to express their gratitude for Zimmerman.

Here are some of the highlights:

Thank you to our 1st pick in team history.
Thank you to a father, husband, brother and son.
Thank you to the heart and soul of our franchise.

Thank you, Mr. Walk-Off.
Thank you, World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman.

ðð¡ðð§ð¤ ð²ð¨ð®, ðð«. ðððð¢ð¨ð§ðð¥. pic.twitter.com/Xn5cJMaX36
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 15, 2022

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Statements from Mark D. Lerner, Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez on the retirement of World Series Champion Ryan Zimmerman. pic.twitter.com/pFEvWzA5c7
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 16, 2022

From the very beginning, Ryan Zimmerman was there.

From making the stands at RFK rock, to walking off at opening of Nats Park, to bringing home a ring to the District of Champions.

On behalf of a grateful city, we thank you Mr. National. pic.twitter.com/UAsALCCNef
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 16, 2022

Trea Turner chimes in with a message of his own pic.twitter.com/xYKqqZ8Gse
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 16, 2022

From UVA to DC, Zim had such a huge impact on my career.
To the OG Nat Mr. Walkoff -
It was a privilege. Congratulations on an amazing career. I canât wait to see what the Ryan Zimmerman statue at Nats Park looks like! pic.twitter.com/IZRO9AYGlG
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) February 16, 2022

To my former teammate, Z, it was a pleasure being on the same side as you for 3 years. You had a way of elevating everyoneâs game with your leadership and play. The @Nationals wonât be the same without you. Retirement ainât so bad ð¤ð¾ pic.twitter.com/qmRlJLpui1
— Denard Span (@thisisdspan) February 16, 2022

ðthe best for you Mr nationalð¦ https://t.co/ebLm6yNmpj
— gerardo parra (@88_gparra) February 16, 2022

Just spoke with Max Scherzer about Ryan Zimmerman retiring. His reaction: "His legacy of being a National, coming up as quick as he did, playing as well as he did for as long as he did, then culminating in the World Series ring, it's just really incredible."
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) February 15, 2022

Ryan Zimmerman retiring isnât a surprise. Game 162 of 2021 sure felt like a send-off. But I canât wrap my mind around what the Nats will look like without him. A great player. A great guy. A steady presence for teammates, fans, media. Canât ask for much more from a franchise icon pic.twitter.com/ebVRvwfTPC
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) February 15, 2022

It was great to be around Ryan Zimmerman for 13 years!!What a career and what an impact he left on this city..on and off the field.Loved interviewing Him, honoring him at my charity golf tournament and just being around Mr Nat. Thanks Ryan. You will always be the franchise face
— Johnny Holliday (@hollidaykid) February 16, 2022

Ryan Zimmerman was the last â¦@Nationalsâ© player remaining I got to watch with my Dad. Special guy responsible for so many happy memories. Feels like we grew up together. Snapped this picture that one night in Houston. Thanks Ryan. #MrNational pic.twitter.com/xMGQRjHJUn
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) February 15, 2022

Zimm man what an honor playing against this guy for the last 8 years of my career. Learned a lot from this guy even when we barely talked during games. Thank you for the way you always played the game. Enjoy retirement ðð½ðð½ https://t.co/871aZp54Iw
— Miguel Rojas (@MRojasOfficial) February 15, 2022

Hey Ryan Zimmerman @Nationals awesome playing against you and watching you be the Face of the Nationals Franchise!!! pic.twitter.com/vRazdiIBOk
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) February 15, 2022

Happy Retirement to Ryan Zimmerman. What a cool career. First Nationals draft pick. Big leagues the same year drafted. And wore the uniform for his entire career (16 seasons). Safe to say that no one will wear the #11 for the Nationals again. Cheers!
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) February 15, 2022

A tap of the stick to Mr. National himself.

Best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/5EioQbbwwD
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 15, 2022

Best of luck in retirement, Employee No. 11.